The UGC, empowered by Section 4(2) of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, as and when required appoints Standing Committees for specific purposes, consisting of such members and with such powers, duties and functions as may be determined by the Commission. The Chairman of each Standing Committee shall be a member of the Commission.

The main role of the Standing Committee on Medical and Dental Sciences would be to function as the advisory body to UGC and vigorously pursue/promote Medical, Dental and Allied Health Sciences p rogrammes according to universities.

In this regard the following specific activities will be pursued:

Initiate actions on policy directions issued by the UGC from time to time and take steps to implement prescribed initiatives, programmes and activities at university/campus/institute level.

Evaluate proposals submitted by universities/Institutes with respect to curricular reforms and curriculum for new study programmes and submit recommendations to the Commission.

Evaluate proposals submitted by Universities/Institutes for the establishment of new Departments/Faculties/Institutes and submit recommendations to the Commission.

Function as a catalytic unit to promote new initiatives and reforms to improve and advance quality and relevance of Medical, Dental and Allied Health Sciences Degree related study programmes and convey to the Commission for consideration.